Substance Use Disorders
Substance-Induced Disorders
Alcohol-Related Disorders
Amphetamine-Related Disorders
Caffeine-Related Disorders
Cannabis-Related Disorders
Cocaine-Related Disorders
Hallucinogen-Related Disorders
Inhalant-Related Disorders
Nicotine-Related Disorders
Opioid-Related Disorders
Phencyclidine-Related Disorders
Sedative-,Hypnotic-, or Anxiolytic-Related Disorders
Other (or Unknown) Substance-Related Disorders
Alcohol-Related Disorders
Most people can drink alcohol in moderation. They can have one or two drinks and not encounter problems. Others develop alcohol related disorders, such as alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. These individuals drink to excess and become a danger to themselves and others. As a general rule, if, when people drink, they become drunk, or if they drink with the intention of becoming drunk, it is likely that alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence are issues.
Alcohol abuse is the repeated use of alcohol that results in daily living problems while alcohol dependence pairs these problems with a physical addiction. When alcohol or substance abuse presents problems with the individual's work, school or family life, it is time to get help. Other warning signs include blackouts or memory lapses, withdrawal symptoms and cravings when not drinking, other health problems due to drinking, and high-risk activities (such as unsafe sex and drunk driving).
It is estimated that aproximately eight percent of American adults are abusers of alcohol at any given time. 100,000 Americans die each year of alcohol related causes.
Alcoholism can have a variety of causes, but the tendency to become addicted is elevated if there is family history of addiction. Having a high tolerance level for alcohol is another risk factor. Many people use alcohol as an escape mechanism from their problems. This can begin rather innocently and gradually evolve into a deep dependence. As a general rule, alcohol should not be used as a way of dealing with life stressors.
Alcoholism has physical, social, emotional and behavioral effects. Treatment has proven successful when adequate follow through is offered and accepted. Alcoholics' Anonymous and other 12 step programs are popular choices in treatment.
